Thank you, Jackie Sauter, for nearly 50 years of service to NCPR
I know I can speak for everyone at NCPR by saying we will miss Jackie Sauter when she retires at the end of December. Below, you’ll find the press release we distributed to announce her retirement, and our 50th anniversary year open house finale.
What I didn’t say in the press release is this: North Country Public Radio simply would not be what it is today without Jackie’s hand on the programming rudder for so many years. Jackie always weighed program offerings with you–our listeners and readers–in mind. She always asked: is this a program that helps inform our community or feeds curiosity about the world around us? Does the program or digital content draw us together in a circle of civil conversation and consideration? Really. Jackie thought about all of the alternatives with you in mind.
Jackie picked up so many of the details of running the station: from media sponsorships to announcer training to substitute airshifts to negotiating program fees to her beloved Music for a Monday Afternoon.
And, I didn’t say this: Jackie is one of the kindest, most generous people any of us have in our lives. I don’t think I can ever remember Jackie saying no to a request for help–unless she was out of town or otherwise committed. She is empathetic and warm. She is a good soul.
As her so-called boss, I learned more from her than she ever learned from me. As my friend, she has always offered unconditional love.
We admire and will miss you. We also love you.
Thank you, Jackie.
North Country Public Radio concludes 50 Year anniversary and recognizes retirement of long-time program director
As North Country Public Radio concludes its 50th anniversary year, the station is holding an all-day open house at its studios located at 80 East Main Street (US Route 11) in Canton. NCPR will also use this occasion to give friends and listeners an opportunity to thank and congratulate Director of Content and Broadcasting Jackie Sauter, who is retiring at the end of 2018.
“Jackie is the heart and backbone of our station,” said Station Manager Ellen Rocco. “She has been at the station since 1971, starting just as she completed her college education at St. Lawrence University. She has shaped the direction and sound of NCPR through almost five decades.”
Jackie Sauter had this to say about her tenure at NCPR: “It’s been an honor to be a part of this amazing station, and participate over the years in its growth into an important regional resource. I’ve loved every minute of my work in public radio and am excited to see what lies ahead. I’ll be listening and cheering on the NCPR team.”
Jackie Sauter started her career at NCPR as a part-time secretary, in the days when the station had a single transmitter and was known as WSLU-FM. Along the way, Jackie served as news director and reporter (in the 1970s), as Program Director, and, in recent years, as Director of Content and Broadcasting. “Jackie’s impact on NCPR is heard every day on our airwaves,” said Ms. Rocco. “What listeners may not realize is how well-respected Jackie is throughout this country’s public radio system. She has led the way in how stations think about serving the American public with topnotch broadcast and digital content, and she has been a friend and mentor to so many in our profession.”
Everyone is invited to stop by the station for refreshments, for an opportunity to share a message of congratulations with Jackie and other staff, and to take a tour of NCPR’s studios. The public is welcome to join us in this celebration between 7:30 am to 7 pm on Tuesday, December 11. Morning visitors will find coffee and baked treats; through the day we’ll have finger food and sandwiches on hand; and, the cake-cutting will take place at about 5:30 pm.
